NOW IS THE TIME for all good Americans to come to the aid (rescue?) of their nation, a paraphrase of an old typing test. Now is the time to overcome the divisiveness which seems to have developed. Now is the time to come together to quell the violence which has shocked the nation, caused by citizens gone awry, for who knows all the reasons?

Natural disasters as we are currently experiencing in the Atlantic will come and go, an event of nature. The human suffering in loss of life and property will be dealt with as only this nation’s people and its government have shown the way. However, no amount of help can erase the images we have seen in the Bahamas this past week. No amount of sympathy or empathy for the devastated nation or its people could ever compensate for the misery they are suffering. Prayers will help as intensive relief efforts get underway.

Reports of ‘help is on the way’ to the literally destroyed Bahamas include the Coast Guard with hits helos and vessels, as well as Coasties on the ground shown in TV video dealing with bodies moving them to aid areas.

The Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Karl Schultz, a friend of ours, has had experience in such events in recent years as Commander of the Seventh District in Florida for large storms and hurricanes. He has the experience needed in such times as these.

While ‘we’ are still recovering from the several mass shootings of the past weeks, with the attendant suffering by the victims and their loved ones, fate of some kind has brought another, the horrendous loss of life in the boat fire off Southern California. Thirty-four diving enthusiasts on a three-day outing in lovely waters close to shore had their lives snuffed out in moments with little apparent time to save themselves at 3:30 in the morning as they slept well after enjoying an enervating day diving with friends and family members. A fire so quick and so intense survival was virtually impossible. Thirty-four humans, including one family of four from the Stockton area celebrating the father’s birthday.

Who takes the first step to aid in this nation’s survival?

SHOOTING GALLERIES apparently have lost out, at least in greater downtown Martinez. The sentiment was obvious at the meeting where the decision was made by the Planning Commission. Hopefully, 604 Ferry Street will become a very successful outdoor sporting goods venue to enhance the viability of Martinez’ commercial sector. We join others in wishing Bandon Varise well in his efforts.

NEWS of the $2.0 million grant to the John Muir Land Trust from the California Wildlife Conservation Road to assist with the $4 million sought to purchase the Almond Ranch south of Highway 4 and west of Alhambra Avenue. Beautiful acres of property high above the valley below, with outstanding residential development potential, the preservation of such land will benefit our area for the future. Hurray!

FOOTBALL continues in the news as teams start their 2019-2020 season schedules this week. A lot of discussion on-going regarding injuries, especially to players’ heads. Arms, legs, knees and backs can be coped with. Players live with those injuries as they play, get rehab work and move on, dealing with pain later in life. Head injuries build up over the years and, as we are finding out more about later life can become a tragedy for aging former players and their families. Not pretty, but something only recently being taken very seriously.

A recent editorial in the East Bay Times cited reports by the California Interscholastic Federation that California parents and high school tackle football participation has declined some 3% as realization of the potential damage to young bodies, particularly heads and brains, becomes better known.

Years ago, our personal physician and Alhambra team doctor, Ben Whisenand, MD, suggested our freshman son quit football after a minor knee injury. He said, “These young developing bodies really are not ready for this hard contact activity.” We took his advice.

The next level below high school football is for the ‘little guys’, whose bodies are even more unsuited for tackle football. What is wrong with the growing sport of flag football with non-violent collisions, but a lot of team work and excitement? Do we have ‘football Dad’s’ pushing for tackle football at too early an age? The future of the well-being of youngsters should be considered.

CHEERS for all the advocates of banning the sale of ‘flavored’ e-cigarettes which are making news already as contributing to serious health issues. Surveys have cited the high percentage of use by teens. (Make it three cheers for the banning advocates!!)

]]>https://martinezgazette.com/column-1-now-is-the-time/feed/09630Letter to the Editor: Denial of conditional use permithttps://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-denial-of-conditional-use-permit/
https://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-denial-of-conditional-use-permit/#respondSun, 01 Sep 2019 08:01:49 +0000https://martinezgazette.com/?p=9682On Tuesday evening, August 27 I sat in the front row of the Planning Commission meeting for no other reason than to bear witness. I heard one woman seated behind me comment on how wonderful it was to see the many “decent” young families in attendance. That comment begs the question, as opposed to whom?

As opposed to the young woman at Mr. Varise’ Townhall describing her family’s tradition of learning gun safety at an early age? Or the scout leader (volunteer) describing the lengths with which he has to go in order to help his young scouts obtain their merit badge? Or perhaps she was comparing these young families to the off-duty and retired law enforcement families who have come forward in support of this business proposal? Hard to say.

What is clear is Mr. McNamara’s letter to the editor dated July 31, 2019 “Sporting Goods Store Plans Should Move Forward” is spot on. The letter writer called out ideologies and identified them as soft bigotry. And his observations were driven home during Tuesday’s Planning Commission.

What I heard sounded no different, to me, than Donald Trump lumping all Mexican immigrants in with violent drug cartels. Despite all of the laws California has passed, the many hoops California gun owners jump through, because the NRA continues to quash commonsense gun laws at the national level, legal and responsible Martinez gun owners should expect further ostracization and even greater restrictions.

It really was hard to distinguish between what was said with any other form of profiling.

As everyone girds themselves up for their next hurdle, storming the castle at city council, I’d like to add one point of clarification. Howe Rd. is in the city of Martinez. Canyon Sports is on Howe Rd. In the city of Martinez the sale of firearms and ammunition is already taking place.

– Linda Meza

CORRECTION: Last week’s letter, entitled ‘Man plans, God laughs’ was printed without attribution. Linda Meza was the author and that should have been included. We apologize for the omission.

FOOTBALL SEASON is upon us. With it comes some controversy, as is usually the case each year. But, does it not add to the excitement we feel for our favorite teams, high schools, colleges or pros? However, there are those who create problems…money or egoes. Many are highly paid professional athletes who are paid more than their mental capacity warrants. But, they do not get paid on IQ’s. The signing bonuses, contract and performance bonuses are signed upon performances in college or other NFL teams.

Four outstanding past performers, one of whom just retired at age 29, have been high on my list of admired athletes, academically, performance on the field and as members of society. They are John Elway, Jim Plunkett, John Lynch and Andrew Luck. I have followed them more closely than others because we shared the same college.

John Elway was sought for both baseball and football contracts in their respective drafts. He chose football which led to an All-pro and Hall of Fame career on the field with the Denver Broncos, and as an NFL team general manager which he still holds. He was an All-American at Stanford.

‘Big Jim’ Plunkett, also a Hall of Fame member, was All-American at Stanford before going professional. During his pro career he was a Raider in later years leading them to a pro bowl championship and being named as the MVP of the game. An emotional part of his career was that all of his football field achievements were performed without being seen by his parents, both of whom were blind.

John Lynch, general manager of the 49’ers, was also an All-American at Stanford before turning pro where he was a several-time All-Pro. A great citizen, he may become a Hall of Fame member one day.

Andrew Luck, who retired this past week at age 29 after nine injury-plagued seasons with the Colts, was the first pick overall in the 2012 NFL draft. His outstanding performance for the Colts earned him contract extensions and bonuses worth millions for leading the team to playoffs in his first three seasons, and to the AFC title in 2014. Several of his playing years were accomplished with a lot of pain from injuries, followed by on-going rehab. The pain finally got too much, thus retirement at age 29.

The Colts owner told the media that Andrew had the potential to earn about $500,000,000 during his career had he not retired. He will keep several of his bonuses, the owner stated.

All four men were strong in academics down on ‘The Farm’, outstanding athletes, have gone on to be admired professionals in the NFL, and fine citizens.

MEANWHILE, close to home, our community will be cheering for one or more of our local teams. We have Alhambra, College Park and De La Salle students and supporters in our midst. We will be following each of them with pride and wishes for success.

Then, of course, we have the Old Blues of UC Berkeley and the Cardinal supporters of Stanford (and their stupid Tree!) And, the promised successful seasons for the Raiders and ‘Niners with new expensive players will hold our attention, of course.

Standby for season kick-offs!

EMPTY WHITE CHAIR seen around the globe via the media covering the G7 meeting in France, tells a terrible story. The world now has seen, in real life, where the leader of the United States places climate change on his priority list. It’s not on his at all! The empty white chair at the conference table reserved for the president of the United States is so discouraging to those trying to save the planet. It is also totally disgusting for we Americans who must continue to endure the whims of a totally inept leader. For the rest of the world, those who still look to the U.S for guidance and support, it must be discouraging, and confusing. With the earth’s greatest scientists all calling for immediate action to preserve the planet, how could the U. S. leader not be a participant in the international discussions on climate change?

As the White House staff tried to cover for their boss, apparently ‘he had previous appointments with two delegates”. As later reported, the other two were in the conference. Go figure! Call it “The White Chair Mystery?”

Another ‘mystery’ is the press conference statement the Oval Office Occupant made concerning trade dealing with China. “We’ve had two phone calls with China recently which were very productive,” he said. Fact-checkers following up with China’ trade-dealing folks could find no one who had made any calls. As has been asked many times since January 20, 2017, “Has lying become a new norm for a U.S. presidency?”

Also asked at the press conference was why the president called China’s leader a bad name one day, then complimented him as a strong leader the next day. “That’s just the way I negotiate,” he responded.

Speaking of saving the planet, the horrific fires in the Amazon rain forests have received only less-than-urgent concern and interest from the autocratic president of Brazil. Offers of help have come from many sources, but were rejected by him until very recently. As someone who has been noticed and approved of in comments from the White House, the Brazilian leader has been dubbed ‘a mini Trump’. A compliment?!?

LOOKS LIKE a real estate proposal idea for the purchase of Greenland got shot down quickly by Greenland and by Denmark which holds the deed for the huge island. And, as sometimes happens in such deals, bad words were expressed causing a diplomatic flap between two very good allies.

As we write this column, the latest is the big sales pitch by the White House occupant to held the next G7 at his Doral Club in Florida, a great place with a bed bug history and declining business. However, the deal would violate the federal regulations regarding presidents making money off their properties. Oh, well, what else inappropriate is new?

Looks like the multi-levels of inappropriate dealings are piling up on the leader of the world’s greatest nation. Every day it is something new.

HAPPY TIMES do occur. Ask Rory McElroy, golfer from Northern Ireland and a top world player, who won the FedEx cup and tour tourney last weekend with $15,000,000 to stash away somewhere. A good young man and a credit to golf. The luck of the Irish??

CHEERS for Labor Day 2019, the 125th celebration honoring the greatest workers in the world, the American worker. It will feature celebrations, public and private, political speeches and rallies, picnics and barbecues and a last shot at summer outings. Happy Labor Day 2019.

]]>https://martinezgazette.com/column-1-football-season/feed/09665Letter to the Editor: Support for gun rangehttps://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-support-for-gun-range/
https://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-support-for-gun-range/#respondWed, 21 Aug 2019 08:00:47 +0000https://martinezgazette.com/?p=9557As a downtown merchant for the past 15 years, I would like to offer my support on an item on your agenda.

I would like this read into the record at the meeting on August 27, since I cannot be present, regarding the recommendation to the City Council regarding a proposed zoning change to allow shooting galleries within an enclosed building as a conditional use in the central commercial districts.

I received a Notice of Continued Meeting/Public Hearing which advised if we were interested in this matter we needed to send comments in a letter. Since it is unclear if the matter will be opened for public comments, I want to make sure that if it is, that my letter be read into the record as supporting this proposed zoning amendment and urge you to make a recommendation of approval to the City Council to amend the zoning ordinance to allow this use and to categorically exempt this project from CEQA requirements.

Yours truly,

Anne Mobley

White Rabbit Boutique

]]>https://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-support-for-gun-range/feed/09557Letter to the Editor: No to Indoor Gun Range, No to Sales of Semi-Automatic Weaponshttps://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-no-to-indoor-gun-range-no-to-sales-of-semi-automatic-weapons/
https://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-no-to-indoor-gun-range-no-to-sales-of-semi-automatic-weapons/#respondSun, 11 Aug 2019 08:00:57 +0000https://martinezgazette.com/?p=9520Forty-three people spoke regarding the proposed indoor gun range for Downtown Martinez at the July 23 Planning Commission meeting. Thirty-two were against, 10 were for, and one spoke on both sides. But, the packed, standing-room-only city chamber was overwhelmingly filled with those opposed to the proposed range.

Cry Babies?

Those in opposition to the proposed range have been characterized by its proponents as “cry babies.”

Two local teachers informed the audience that “active shooter drills” are taught at local schools. This chilling information was an eye-opener for many. What will be the emotional impact on our students walking down Main Street after school when they see people openly carrying rifles and firearms on the way to a gun range? Maybe we are just being “cry babies!”

Proponents of the proposed range thought nothing of the very close locations of schools (St. Catherine’s, Vincente Martinez High School, Martinez Jr. High, RES Success, and Creekside Montessori) within mere blocks of Main Street. Maybe we are just being “cry babies!”

Victims of gun violence spoke at both the June 20 Community Forum and the July 23 meeting. These citizens spoke openly about their personal trauma related to gun violence. PTSD would be a good descriptor for them. Or maybe they are just being “cry babies!”

Location

What proponents of the proposed gun range don’t seem to understand is that the LOCATION is what is wrong. The open carrying of handguns and rifles on the streets of Downtown Martinez is wrong. Crime, both to persons (robbery, assault, or even death) and vehicles (targeted break-ins) may become a cruel reality, as gun range patrons are targeted by the more unsavory in Martinez. Safety is a very real issue due to the proposed location.

Semi-Automatic Weapons

People who possess the necessary licenses to sell firearms can legally sell semi-automatic weapons in California. At the April 23 Planning Commission meeting, one of the Commissioners asked if assault-type weapons would be sold. The applicant answered that he would only sell what was on the “list approved for sale in California.” (At the June 20 Community Forum, the public learned that the applicant already has the requisite permits and licenses to sell guns.)

So, let me repeat: Semi-automatic weapons are legal for sale in California by a licensed gun dealer, i.e., the applicant could legally sell semi-automatic weapons…here…in Martinez. Martinez needs to take steps to ban the sale of semi-automatic weapons by this applicant.

Will Saying It Make It So?

Why do proponents seem convinced that this retail store with gun range would be a good business for Martinez? Because the applicant tells us that.

Why do proponents believe the applicant can run a successful sporting goods store, sell guns and ammo, and run a safe gun range? Oh, because the applicant keeps telling us that he can!

WHERE NEXT? When next? Who next? How many innocent victims next? Why next?

Questions that no one can answer, but too many not trying hard enough to make certain there will not be a ‘next’. The chances of there being no ‘next’ time are so very slim. Perhaps no such thing as a ‘next time’? Wonderful thought, but what are the odds? What needs to be done to increase the chances of ‘no next time’?

This ghastly tragic past week has shaken Americans from coast to coast, north to south. A nation which has never been invaded by a foreign power in combat has now been attacked by three of its own people. Another attack directed at innocent men, women and children. Another attack added to those of recent years which have taken other innocent lives in unbelievable locations which would seem as safe places. Who is to stop this madness being carried out by individuals who have a ‘problem’. What is their problem, something being looked at by experts in the fields of crime and mental illness.

Why, in this nation of 300,000,000 residents, are their more than 300,000,000 guns owned by someone? This number reported in the past week among many other facts and statistics by alleged reputable sources. How many are assault-type weapons, and for what possible use? Certainly not a weapon to keep under your pillow or bed to defend against intruders in the home. Certainly not a weapon to kill some unfortunate animal which happens to become a target. More likely a weapon to make its owner feel more ‘macho’ in gun circles out on the local target range?

The time has long passed when such heavy-duty weapons intended for battlefield mass killing to be banned in society. Ban the sale for starters. Ban the use anywhere, even on target ranges. Make their ownership less attractive, even to satisfy the ‘proud owner’.

Why now? Why are we seeing an upsurge in mass killings in this best possible nation of peace-loving citizens? What has caused the shooters to do their dastardly deeds? While the experts are scratching their collective heads looking for reasons why people do such things, is there something in our recent history to consider?

More and more conversations include discussions of the steep downturn in civility in the past several years. Many, of course, lay the blame for the apparent change on the current Oval Office Occupant whose gross never-stopping twitter messages disparage anyone and anything which he decides to dislike. Name-calling and nasty language which we’ve never heard from the CEO of the United States. It all started during the 2016 presidential campaign, and it increased since January 20, 2017. No sign of it slowing. No sign of the vast numbers of critics making a dent in his poor demeanor, either. How disheartening!

Wonder if any members of the First Family ever cringe or grimace at the tweets good old dad issues nearly 24/7 when not golfing? Wow!

(Columnist’s note) One public quote of ‘bad language’ I recall from a president was from Harry Truman commenting on a critical big-time national columnist’s ‘review’ of First Daughter Margaret Truman’s piano recital. It was not well-received by Mr. President, the feisty former ‘haberdasher’ from Independence, Missouri, elected U.S. Senator, then Vice President, then became President upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. When asked about the ‘review’ Harry Truman responded, “I would like to punch the son-of-a-bitch in the nose!” Not nasty. Just honest!)

While we have President Truman hot on our keyboard, there’s another quote, this from Bess Truman, enduring sweet wife. One day one of Bess’s lady friends overheard Harry commenting on something. He proclaimed that that’s “that’s bull manure”. Asked by her friend if that language bothered her, Mrs. Truman replied, “It has taken me years to get Harry to say manure.”

FIRE SEASON is upon us, for sure. All warnings to residents to be prepared for a ‘big’ season should have been heeded by now. Like get your property cleared, etc. The several-day fire in the Clayton/Marsh Creek/ Morgan Territory area was a great wake-up call which could have been worse had it not been for quick responses by several agencies. Even then, some residents were evacuated as a precaution.

Much of Contra Costa County was on the list of ‘wild fire hazard’ areas, in a report by the chief of Contra Costa Fire District. The map, although small in print, was sufficient to give us a good idea of what we are facing in the future. Ask any former resident of fire-ravaged areas north of us if they ever thought what could happen to them. We need to heed the warnings.

U.S. COAST GUARD celebrated its 229th anniversary on August 4th as the premier life-saving agency in our nation. A force of some 42,000 men and women, afloat and ashore, here at home and overseas, serving with other nations’ sea-going forces in its many missions. Its proud history of service is unparalleled in accomplishments saving lives, property, the environment, natural resources, fisheries and intercepting illegal drugs and migrants. The active duty Coast Guard is assisted by several thousand Auxiliarists, civilian volunteers, some of whom serve in fulltime jobs to augment active duty ‘Coasties’

Coast Guard motto: ‘Semper Paratus’, always ready.

CHEERS, again, for the Martinez Police Department for its 24/7 coverage of our community with vigilance and effectiveness. Reading the periodic Police Blotter which this newspaper prints is great. Seeing in print the kinds of crimes our officers uncover, many with routine traffic stops, causes head-scratching in disbelief. Criminals really are not smart, the reports tell us. Great work gentlemen and ladies!!

]]>https://martinezgazette.com/column-1-where-next/feed/09507Letter to the Editor, by Councilmember Noralea Gipner: Homelessness issue a priorityhttps://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-by-councilmember-noralea-gipner-homelessness-issue-a-priority/
https://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-by-councilmember-noralea-gipner-homelessness-issue-a-priority/#respondWed, 07 Aug 2019 08:00:54 +0000https://martinezgazette.com/?p=9428As many of you are aware, working on the homelessness problem is a priority for our city. Homelessness has increased, not only regionally, but throughout the state and nation. Over the last few years we have been focusing on linking people with services to get them help and into housing. This is a complicated problem that we have been focusing on with a collaboration between us, Contra Costa County, and the City of Pleasant Hill. Even though we have made good strides, we have much more to do.

One of our recent pilot projects that Chief Sappal, Officer Brinser and I have been working on for months is providing mobile showers for the homeless. The project began with The Bay Church of Concord as they wanted to help the homeless. The Bay Church has been successfully providing monthly laundry services for the last seven years at the Laundry Basket on Pacheco Blvd. They provide laundry services, haircuts, as well as meals and clothing. We believe in their vision of providing showers to the homeless and partnered with them to pilot the service in Martinez. This also gives us an opportunity to try to connect our homeless population to services.

The shower trailer is 40-feet long and has four shower stalls. Starting August 7, The Bay Church will have a portable shower trailer parked on Green St. alongside the Senior Center. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will take place every Wednesday. The Senior Center will assist with the use of their staff parking lot to allow County Health Services to respond with their 30-foot mobile medical van, which will provide services to include medical and mental health services. Our CORE team will be at Loaves and Fishes, who will be part of this effort, to provide their services in hopes of helping people get into a shelter.

We are starting this pilot project at this location near Loaves and Fishes because this is where homeless clients go to eat each day. Once we establish a relationship and trust with our clients, the program will be easier to move to a different location. We have been searching for a more permanent location in the downtown/waterfront park area for several months and have had difficulty finding something large enough.

The Bay Church will have their parishioners assisting as sole volunteers for this program. Their parishioners have been volunteering at the monthly laundry service and are now dedicating their time to the shower project. I am hoping that we can gather some volunteers from our community to help with our program. If interested please email me ngipner@cityofmartinez.org.

Our program will benefit not only the homeless population but also the citizens of Martinez. A simple shower and a haircut can improve mental happiness and self-esteem. When you look and smell better you feel better about yourself and can fit in the community more easily. This also assists with hygiene and public health – our partnership with the County will allow their mobile medical team to assist us in providing services from one location at the same time the showers are used as well as the time when Loaves and Fishes serves our community.

Homelessness is a complicated problem and there is no easy solution. We are working on managing this problem as best as we can and need your help, understanding, compassion, and tolerance as we continue to tackle this issue.

]]>https://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-by-councilmember-noralea-gipner-homelessness-issue-a-priority/feed/09428Letter to the Editor: Guns and emotionshttps://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-guns-and-emotions/
https://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-guns-and-emotions/#respondWed, 07 Aug 2019 07:59:18 +0000https://martinezgazette.com/?p=9438An open letter to the community-at-large and the City of Martinez Planning Commission

Last week the Martinez News-Gazette published Column One and a pair of readers’ letters voicing support for an underground gun range envisioned as part of a proposed downtown outdoor outfitters bazaar and shooters club in the old “opera house” building at Ferry and Escobar.

Proponents of the project represent themselves as “rational” as opposed to all the “emotional” opposition to the project voiced at recent public meetings. You know, mothers with crying babies rather than real men.

But beyond the News-Gazette’s broad sheets, two massive stories invaded America’s weekend newsfeed. Both episodes involved mass shootings – murder with guns. “Domestic Terrorism” is also a label that fits, given the inciteful (sic) climate created at a White House anti-immigration rally in Cincinnati the day before the El Paso massacre – which the administration somehow conflated with Toledo!

Anyone can verify this sordid state of civic affairs with statistics from the Gun Violence Archive, which reduce down to this baldfaced fact: Americans have suffered more than one mass murder in public places every day this year.

Is daily assassination of stray civilians rational in any way? How rational is it to belittle the suffering of someone aggrieved by mass shootings? Are they simply victims of emotional weakness, nothing but cry babies venting in public? This seems to be the impression of underground shooters club supporters.

How is it rational – in these tense times of random civilian firearm violence – for any community to tolerate an elite sidewalk storefront gun club/target range? Thirty-three thousand gun deaths in the USA this year. One massacre a day, plus.

And Martinez wants to help sell more bullets?

* * *

The Planning Commission should urge staff to make an aerial search on digital maps of California urban areas. Look for “gun ranges in [fill-in—blank].” Such a search should produce “street view” results showing shooting ranges located on urban fringes or in large stand-alone structures in light industrial areas with big parking lots. Not with retail storefront entrances on sidewalks with strollers and other downtown foot traffic.

Proponents of the Ferry Street gun range have the burden of proof to demonstrate the public safety of similarly situated sidewalk facilities in California downtown retail storefronts where pedestrians walk right next to the building facade. What’s the public safety impact on retail sidewalk security where any overheard gun shot must be assumed to be suspicious – and dutifully reported to police?

The rational argument behind all this is that people need to protect themselves, apparently in costly clubs which exclude anybody who can’t afford to join. Also rational is the building owner’s right to make a profit above all else.

Those who emotionally fret over being murdered while merely going to school or church or nightclubs or malls or garlic festivals … they should simply purchase their own guns and learn now to protect themselves, rationally.

Indeed, the owner of the old “opera house” intends to obliterate the building’s past with no mention of its history. He presented his proposal at City Hall twice in public power-point presentations which assume everybody is a potential investor in his personal plans for downtown development.

He did not seem to comprehend that many in the audience were community-minded citizens not necessarily inclined to buy into his personal business dream. Given his do-over effort before the Commission, the owner seems thus far incapable of making any public-oriented presentation to non-investors.

The owner also seems to believe his idea somehow suits the town of John Muir. His marketing sidles up to Muir as if the founder of the Sierra Club and national parks were known as some sharpshooter in the mold of Wild Bill Hickok – the laconic lone gunslinger out on the trail personally administering justice by his own hand.

Some sort of “memorial” downtown gun shop is an outright insult to Muir’s environmental legacy. He was a hiker, not a hunter! Guns have never been allowed in Muir’s national parks. And John Muir would have shopped for gear at REI.

BUSINESS DOWNTOWN has shown some ‘spark’ in recent years. However, there is much more to be done to bring it to a viable level attracting shoppers, diners, visitors in greater numbers. Ask any merchant if he or she would like to see many more customers.

A proposal on the docket for the City to consider seems like something unique to our community, and something which could attract shoppers interested in the outdoors and the equipment which is part of being in the outdoors. The proposal put forth by Brandon Varies, a resident putting considerable money into the downtown, sounds quite unique; not a store like a super market attracting dozens of food buyers each day, but one where a particular clientele can browse, find just the right item, buy it and be off happy.

The uniqueness of the “Off Trail” sporting goods store with its variety of ‘outdoor’ aspects would be a first for Martinez. One of the aspects of that uniqueness is a proposed indoor below street level shooting range, something which has stirred concern by some of the attendees who took part in a public meeting and expressed those concerns, some of which appeared valid, and some which appeared more emotional than real. However, all had the opportunity to take part in the discussion. That’s the way our democracy is supposed to work!

While possible uses could include a practice facility for law enforcement personnel to practice with fire arms, as well as civilians who have guns which they wish to enjoy, all under the supervision of an accredited instructor, as is the case in a number of localities mentioned.

The proposal has been sent back to City Staff for a look-see without the shooting range included.

The idea of a viable new business in Martinez sounds like something worth a very serious consideration without emotional fears involved. There is too much to be gained for the community to allow ‘afraid’ as a reason to deny the necessary positive action to get the job done.

Incidentally there was a time not too many years ago when the 600 block of Ferry Street was nearly solid liquor establishments. From my newspaper days I recall that ‘they’ collectively caused more concerns and action by the police department, and many in the community, than an underground shooting range will cause. No fights, brawls or what!

THE MARINA continues to be a major problem for The City, as it has been since the 1950-60 era when it was developed. The new marina replaced an ‘ancient’ yacht harbor which had many fine craft docked there. It reached the point of much disrepair and not viable. Thus, at a cost of $1,200,000, borrowed from the State of California, a wonderful new marina was designed and built.

Two major problems occurred: insufficient money loaned by the State, and local politicians getting involved in the project where they should have, as the saying goes, “kept the hell out of it.” The State caused problems when they loaned us $1,200,000 when ‘we’, The City, had asked for $1,300,000. The shortfall necessitated eliminating a breakwater wall on the east side (upstream) of the new marina, which would have greatly reduced the silting with which the facility has suffered ever since; now more than 60 years of constant issues with boaters not being able to enter and leave the facility at certain tide levels, and boats sometimes sitting on the mud while docked.

Silting over the years has hampered operations, and has continued making the marina much less desirable than other locations to which boaters have moved. Dredging operations have cost millions of dollars.

Political in-fighting continued as solutions to the silting problem were sought. One longtime know-it-all elected official brow beat others causing delays, requests for more State money and a major fight with a faction of the Chamber of Commerce.

Development of restaurants and other facilities which make marinas attractive have come and gone for several reasons. A firm contracted with to make the marina a successful endeavor has, apparently, not been successful. So, what do we do now?

I was one member of a five-member committee appointed by the late Mayor John Costanza to explore attracting facilities to come here. That was in the late 1950’s. The results were not encouraging as the marina was not progressing as had been anticipated. Again, we say, what do we do now after several negotiated changes to the loan borrowed so many years ago?

MORE PUBLIC input is sought by the City regarding the development of a new park for the community. The proposed new park, some nine acres at the former Pine Meadow Golf Course, and future location of some 65 new homes, will be called Traditions at the Meadow, according to a press release we received. It’s the result of the agreement of a ‘coalition’ of several groups on how to develop the former golf course. Wonderful idea to have the community involved in a gathering called a “charette” to begin design proposals for the new park.

Meeting will be at noon, August 10 at City Hall. Public is invited.

HAVE A FAVORITE out of the 20 Democrat contenders for the job of President of the United States? Do you understand the details and specifics of all the health plans kicked around during the two-evening debate sessions? Costs, percentages of people covered, the billions of dollars the public pays for medications, who will be left behind if one plan or the other is adopted by the next president? In the Navy we described these conversations as a ‘lash up’.

A couple observations from this humble columnist: Too much time spent on health plans which very few can understand in back and forth spurts of conversations, although terribly important to all of us. Too much Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden and a couple others to the detriment of many others who had something to say. However, under the rules set forth, all was done right, I guess.

As has been said by others before, it will be a long election season, except for some of us ‘nuts’ who have grown up with politics in our past and find it fascinating. We will take stock of our fervor later!

THE NATION copes once again with a massacre of innocent citizens, this time in Gilroy, a small city having a lot of fun at its annual Garlic Festival. Three killed, many injured, many traumatized, many families impacted forever. Why? Why did a nineteen-year-old decide this was something he needed to do? What could have changed his mind? How many others like him are running around needing help? The scary answer: Way too many! But, what is the answer, the remedy?

CHEERS to Kinders, a very popular eatery in the county, for its recognition of active and retired military personnel with a 15 percent discount on purchases. A very nice gesture we appreciate as a retired Navy guy for some 44 years. Any others we missed?

]]>https://martinezgazette.com/column-1-business-downtown/feed/09443Letter to the Editor: Sporting goods store plans should move forwardhttps://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-sporting-goods-store-plans-should-move-forward/
https://martinezgazette.com/letter-to-the-editor-sporting-goods-store-plans-should-move-forward/#respondWed, 31 Jul 2019 08:00:50 +0000https://martinezgazette.com/?p=9389Every now and then, a municipal issue arises that becomes a potential watershed moment for the city council and the community. It seems that one has arisen in Martinez with the proposed downtown development of an ambitious outdoor sporting goods store in the mold of Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops, which would occupy a large space on Ferry Street between Main Street and Escobar Street. The apparent controversy comes from a planned underground shooting range attached to the store.

The city council will no doubt have the last word on whether this enterprise is permitted to go forward. This presents the council with an unenviable conundrum. Should they act in the best fiscal interest of the city, or should they cave to the ideological and emotional objections of opponents. I believe they should act in the best interests of the city’s future and approve this venture. It won’t be easy. Leadership never is.

There will be many heartfelt entreaties to deny the development of the underground shooting range. It is my hope that the council will rightfully sympathize with those emotional, ideological pleas but demonstrate leadership by disregarding them in their decision. The fiscal health of our city requires a welcoming environment for entrepreneurial investment. Denying any such endeavor requires good reason. In the case of this proposal, there is none.

The fear or disdain of gun owners coming to our downtown is nothing short of ideological bigotry. Whoever reads this letter has law-abiding gun owners living within 500 feet of them. Can you tell who they are? Likely not. But they are just like you. They include every demographic. They serve you coffee. They clean your teeth. They mow your lawns. They sit next to you in church. They work with you. You pass them on the street every day and smile at them. They are just plain folks like you. Their mere existence protects you in your sleep, because like you, bad guys are uncertain which households can and cannot defend themselves with lawful deadly force. Why would you shun your neighbors and friends just because they assume a protective responsibility you demur?

There is no safety issue. The very purpose and effect of such a facility will be to promote safe, lawful compliance with strict California laws regarding the use, transport, and handling of lawfully owned firearms. Would we deny an application for a driving academy? If the council is concerned about firearm safety, they must approve the application.

There is no noise issue. Even those inside the new store during a firing session will never hear a sound from the range. There is an existing indoor firing range on Howe Road, at Canyon Sports. It is non-public and is used only to test firearms serviced by the in-house gunsmith. I once brought my own handgun to be serviced. The gunsmith went into the adjacent range to test fire my handgun. He fired a full magazine of .45 ACP (very loud) and I heard no sound from my location in the store a mere 40 feet away. Their test range is not underground and is simply sound insulated. The proposed gun range downtown will be equally sound insulated, and underground.

There will be objections that begin with language like “I have nothing against guns. In fact, one of my best friends is a gun owner. We just don’t want them in ‘our’ downtown.” Here we get to the heart of the bigotry. Mind you, it is a soft bigotry. It is soft because it is commonly accepted, promoted, and shared. That makes it especially challenging for the city council to reject and rise above. If this were 1919 instead of 2019, we could be talking openly about keeping a negro jazz club from “our” downtown. But this is 2019, and we are more evolved now. So instead, we talk openly about keeping today’s “others” from our downtown. Those others are all around you. We have raised the rainbow flag at city hall. Now we get a chance to see whether we deserved it.

There will be pleas to foster the dream of eventual inclusion into the family of modern, advanced cities like Walnut Creek: urban enclaves of chic prosperity with prestigious retailers and culinary destinations. Surely, such progressed communities would never accept lowbrow activities like gun stores. But downtown Walnut Creek has two gun stores. One is right across the street from the new library, 50 feet from the Walnut Creek Police Department, and 350 feet from frolicking river otters enjoyed by families visiting Civic Park’s river walk. The other gun store is across the street from Century Theaters, Kacha Thai Bistro, Kinsley James, and Veggie Grill. Have those gun stores sabotaged the prosperity and reputation of Walnut Creek? No they have not.

What the Martinez City Council must gird themselves for is a choice between continued fiscal decline and progress toward fiscal stability. It may not seem like one small application for a sporting goods store and firing range can be so important, but it is. What Walnut Creek, Danville, San Ramon, Lafayette, and all the other communities so envied by the insecure have in common is decisiveness in the face of NIMBY opposition. Those councils recognized long ago that ideological bigotry, unwarranted pretentiousness, and undaunted negativity in pursuit of quiet, quaint mediocrity was undeserving of council servitude. It takes real leadership to withstand sincere, heartfelt pleas from friends, and move forward. Many of us who are as fervently in favor of this project may have no desire to subject ourselves to invective and ridicule at a public forum, but we are all taking note of council’s courage to do the right thing, or lack thereof.

Many will feebly try to make the case that approving a gun store and below-ground shooting range on Ferry Street will dissuade other entrepreneurs from investing in Martinez. Poppycock! Just more pretentious bigotry. Don’t fall for it. What will prevent other entrepreneurs from investing in Martinez is what has always prevented such risk-taking: a planning commission and council lacking courage, who cave to NIMBY activists that chant with sympathetic, heartfelt, bigoted agony.

The City of Martinez is approaching a fiscal turning point. The Shell Refinery has been sold to PBF Energy for a price far below the tax-assessed value of the Shell Refinery. Tax revenue will precipitously decline. Not only will new management be potentially less generous to the city for public relations purposes, but the reduced property tax revenue will create a fiscal shortfall to city coffers and MUSD revenue. Now is the time for aggressive fiscal leadership. Now is the time for entrepreneurial open arms. The time for spine is now!

I strongly support and wholeheartedly recommend approval of the proposed development on Ferry Street. The project owner deserves a chance to succeed or fail on the merits of his own vision. Reject the NIMBY’s. Reject the soft bigots. Don’t embrace divisiveness. Instead, embrace inclusion and prosperity. Bring us together. Prove that the rainbow flag hoisted above city hall meant something real.